Interview with Olgierd Meysztowicz Jr.

Interview with Olgierd Meysztowicz Junior, Production Director at the Polindus-Laktopol Capital Group, which has confirmed its stable position, placing 9th in the prestigious ranking of the Dairy Forum TOP 25 largest dairy companies in Poland.

The Polish dairy industry, a key pillar of domestic agriculture and processing, is dynamically adapting to global turmoil. How is one of the leading players – the Polindus-Laktopol Capital Group – coping in this reality? We discuss the challenges, innovations and prospects against the background of the global milk market with Mr Olgierd Meysztowicz Jr, Production Director at the Polindus-Laktopol Capital Group.

Ed.: Laktopol is one of the largest Polish exporters, with products reaching almost 90 countries. How do you assess your position against the background of the current situation on the global milk market?

Olgierd Meysztowicz Jr: Laktopol is primarily an exporter to world markets, over 95% of the production in Suwałki alone is sent abroad. Mainly to West African countries: Senegal, Ghana, and Mali, but we have inquiries from practically all over the world. The situation on the global market always remains a challenge, but also an opportunity. Over the years, we have developed the attitude that the glass is always half full.

Ed.: Poland is increasing its production and exports. In your opinion, what are the main competitive advantages of the Polish dairy industry on the international arena?

Olgierd Meysztowicz Jr: The Polish dairy industry is based on a solid raw material base – we have increasingly effective suppliers and high quality raw milk. Our strength is also in our modern processing infrastructure and, owing to continuous investments, we have one of the most technologically advanced powder plants in Central and Eastern Europe. This enables us to offer products of the highest quality and precise composition, which is crucial for a global clientele. Poland is also perceived as a reliable and stable trading partner in the European Union and Africa, which is particularly important in the context of geopolitical tensions.

Ed.: Achieving 9th place in the TOP 25 ranking of the largest dairy companies in Poland is a great honour. What stands behind this success and what are the pillars of the Polindus-Laktopol Capital Group’s strategy that have allowed it to maintain such a strong position?

Olgierd Meysztowicz Jr: This honourable 9th place in the Dairy Forum ranking is the result of the hard work and concentrated efforts of the entire Polindus-Laktopol Group, consistently implemented long-term strategy, and quick response to changing conditions. We do not rest on our laurels – this result is a motivation for us.

We are a leader in the manufacture of Instant Fat Filled Milk Powder (FFMP), a high value-added product that is in high demand in export markets. As a group, in addition to powders, we also produce butter, blends, UHT creamers, and whey powder. This provides flexibility in responding to the changing prices of individual milk components.
Naturally, the driving force are investments in technology. Only in recent years have we invested significant funds in the modernisation of our plants, automation, and food safety (e.g. the purchase of a twin, modern powder plant in Bielsk Podlaski). We guarantee our clients the highest standard, confirmed by the positive audits of global giants.

Ed.: The food industry, and especially the dairy industry, places food safety first. In this context, how does the Group approach the issue of biosecurity in the entire supply chain – from the farm to the production plant?

Olgierd Meysztowicz Jr.: Biosecurity is not only a legal requirement for us, but above all a necessity and a basis for building trust with global and domestic recipients. Maintaining a high hygienic standard of raw milk is absolutely crucial for the quality of end products, especially those for export, such as milk powders.

Our activities in this area focus on several facets. We work closely with the farmers who supply milk to our plants (including in Gąsewo, Łosice or Suwałki). We systematically carry out inspections and training in hygiene standards on cattle farms, which include, inter alia, milking hygiene principles, disinfection of stalls, and herd health control to minimise the risk of microbiological and somatic contamination. We strictly control the raw material. Each batch of incoming milk at our plants is subjected to a multi-stage laboratory analysis. Our raw milk evaluation laboratories are equipped with state-of-the-art equipment that precisely verifies the chemical composition and hygienic indicators, including the number of somatic cells and the presence of bacteria, in order to accept only the highest quality raw material for processing.

And there is the internal biosecurity of plants. We have implemented the highest standards at our factories, including FSSC, as well as a disinfection gate. This includes strict production zoning, process automation to minimise product contact, and strict personal and sanitary hygiene procedures for all employees and vehicles.

Ed.: What are the key challenges that Polindus-Laktopol and the entire industry currently face? And what are your development plans for the coming years?

Olgierd Meysztowicz Jr: One of the largest challenges in Poland is maintaining stable supplies of raw materials in the face of fluctuations in purchase prices and growing climate requirements. We must look out for the profitability of farms to ensure the continuity of production.
Our plans are focused on further export expansion towards Asia and Africa, where the demand for powdered products is constantly growing, and monitoring markets from all over the world, i.e. New Zealand and the USA. We want to strengthen our position not only in the TOP 10, but also in the very top of the largest dairy companies in Poland, relying on quality, innovation and the trust of our global partners. Who knows, perhaps next year, thanks to the work of our wonderful and experienced crew, and taking advantage of the opportunities, we will jump a few notches up in the ranking to get closer to the TOP 5.

Ed.: Thank you for the interview and we wish you further success.

Olgierd Meysztowicz Jr: Thank you.